Arizona farmers will almost certainly have to operate with less water next year, as state and federal water officials project an historic shortage of the Colorado River’s water supply in 2022.
Under the state’s drought contingency plan, Arizona cities and Native American tribes also will lose a portion of their Colorado River water, but it will be fully replaced by water from other sources.
In all, Arizona will lose about 18% of its Colorado River water supply under the projected shortage declaration, equal to about 6.5% of the state’s total water supply. Even after mitigation efforts to restore some water, Arizona farmers who rely on Colorado River water will see that supply cut by 65%.
